Nag Pokhari (Snake Pond ) Honoring the Serpent Deity in Nepal .

 

What is the history of  Snake Pound ?

It is said that Statues of  Nag has special power in Snake Pound , which is located in the middle of Kathmandu city, in front of Narayan Hiti Darwar. Built in the 17th century by queen Subarna Prabha, this snake pond is 7 feet deep, 125 feet high, and 65 feet wide.

It is found in Puranic writings that in this pond, which is very close to the Narayanhiti Palace, during the Malla period, Malla kings, dressed as ordinary people, without bodyguards, used to come to this pond everyday, perform puja, and spend their peaceful time.

According to the priest of Snake Pound, being close to Shiva, who lives in shiva's neck , and is beloved of God, if he is worshiped with full devotion and dedication, the disease  as well as various types of itching and boils on the body will be cured.

How to celebrated Nag Panchami ?

Introduction :

Nepal is a country known for its rich culture diversity and a wide array of festivals that reflect its deep-rooted traditions and beliefs. One such unique and intriguing festival celebrated in Nepal is Nag Panchami. In this pond every year on the fifth day of Shravan Shukla Panchami day, special puja is done on the day of Naga Panchami. In this puja, local people do special cleaning around the pond, clean the water of the pond, paint it with different colors, decorate it like a new bride.

It is believed that snakes,  and scorpions will not cause harm to the house if one worships the snake and hangs the picture of the snake at the main door of the house. It is also religiously believed that one can avoid the fear of fire, cloud and lightning.

The Significance of Nag Panchami:

Even though there are twelve names of Nagas, there is a tradition of worshiping eight Nagas of eight classes since Vedic Sanatana times. On this day eight snakes namely Ananta, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Kulir, Karkat and Shankha are worshiped by the Brahmin priest and hung over the door of the house.

Scientifically, it is believed that snakes and snakes exploit poisonous substances in nature to prevent the effects of poisonous substances on humans and other species, so it is believed that sages have established the practice of worshiping snakes.

Nagas, serpent deities and their connections with Lord Krishna . Their is one popular legend narrates the story of Krishna saving the villagers of Gokul from the wrath of the serpent Kaliya. On this day, it is believed that after keeping a snake in the house, one should not dig in the fields and one should not kill snakes, snakes and other reptiles.

 

Ritual and Celebration :

Today, Nagpokhari and Toudah in Kathmandu, Siddhapokhari in Bhaktapur, and Nagdah, Kund and Nag places all over the country are thronged to worship. Cow's milk, Akshata, Dubo, Kheer and Roti are offered as prasad after worshiping the snake.

The cloths on the statue of  snake in the middle of the Snake Pound are put on the cloths, anointed with cow's milk, Duvo grass , fruits, flowers, incense, coconuts are offered for special worship and at the same time there is a lot of business of various sweets, offerings, and puja materials.

Harmony with Nature:

The practice of snake worship started from the Vedic period. According to Vedic belief, Naga is considered as the king of snakes. If the snake is angry, there will be a shortage of water, so there is a tradition of worshiping the snake for water as well.

On the occasion of Puja, there is also the presence of special person . On that day, common people also perform puja. Various musical dances and stage show  were organized by the puja committee. On the day of Nag Panchmi, children and old people gather together to celebrate the festival with great joy.

Cultural and Social Aspects:

As mentioned in the Barah Purana, Brahma's dialogue with Nagaraja on Shravan Shukla Panchami is also known today for Naga Puja.On the day of Nag Panchami, along with special puja in the snake temples in different places in the country, it is customary for every Hindu to worship the image of the snake at the main gate of his house with cow dung, flowers and milk. In Nepal and India, there is also a tradition of worshiping live snakes and feeding them milk.

Conclusion:

Naga Panchami festival  is clear that there is  a fascinating blend of mythology ,culture and religious devotion  . The festival not only serves as a platform for expressing reverence towards serpent deities but also highlights  the importance of coexisting harmoniously with nature . As Nepal  embraces its rich heritage , Nag Panchami stands as a reminder of the nation's cultural depth and the unity it fosters among its people  relationship between a man and a snake. This friendship will continue as long as humans exist on this earth. Therefore, it helps to keep the natural environment in balance by protecting the snake . 

What is the Power of  Santoshi Mata  ?

The glory of  Santoshi Mata Temple, located at the west gate of Snake Pound, is very famous. The priest of the temple says that if you  fast  16  week on Friday without eating sour, bitter, fish, meat, garlic, onion, etc, The goddess full fill their wishes and desire . 

According to the priest of the temple, a person who has reached , 24 years of marriage but no any child   came in contact with the priest after being treated in various places and even abroad. He share  the true story.

Who is Santoshi Goddess ?

Santoshi  Mata is  daughter of  Shri Ganesha  who relieves everyone from suffering, is a powerful   goddess. She  does not hesitate to show his power by immediately punishing people who disturb his worship.

People gather at this place every morning to take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere on top of this temple. Along with doing physical exercises, it is also useful for exercising to keep the body healthy. It is also a suitable place for yoga and meditation in this Snake Pound .

Hail Naga Devta, Hail.

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